This fourteen-year-old student is spreading the word that this physical disorder impacts people both young and old.

CAUSE: When Caitlin was three years old, she thought she had the flu. A stiff neck, high fever, and swollen knee seemed like fairly normal and treatable symptoms, but doctors soon realized that she had arthritis: a disorder that involves the inflammation of one or more joints and creates physical discomfort. Most commonly associated with the elderly, arthritis also affects 300,000 American kids. After completing her first Arthritis Walk in 2004, Caitlin partnered with the Arthritis Foundation to raise money to find a cure. Through speaking out in schools and on the news, Caitlin has become a voice for young people battling the disorder.

GET INVOLVED: On Sept. 19, Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation are pairing up for a Healing Hands for Arthritis Event. Ten dollars from every one-hour massage and facial session will benefit the foundation. You can also become a member or research advocate of the Arthritis Foundation.

"I was diagnosed with arthritis at age three, and by the time I was twelve, I had both my hips replaced. When I tell people I have arthritis, people often say, 'my grandma has that.' But 300,000 kids have arthritis, and it can affect anybody. This is so personal to me, and I wanted to speak out and spread the word. Arthritis has made me a stronger person because it's harder to do everyday things, but I'm a normal teenager. I like doing normal things, and it might just take me longer to do them."

"I go to a gala every year to raise money for arthritis camps, and I've also been on news channels. I was on Fox a few weeks ago! When I was six years old, my mom and I participated in our first Arthritis Walk, and ever since, my whole family has been very involved with the Arthritis Foundation to create awareness that kids gets arthritis, too. Last year, my team raised $35,000. I also speak in schools, and tell kids that this isn't just an old person's disease. You wouldn't know it by looking at me because I can still find ways of being a normal teenager, but it affects me."

"I have a school with stairs, and I have two classes upstairs. This is a challenge I decided that I want to take on, so I walk up the stairs every day, twice a day. It's hard because sometimes I have an inflammation or a flare-up. And even simple things like putting on socks or writing a paragraph can affect me. I just started high school, so not many people know about my arthritis. At my old school, I was teased a bit because sometimes I might have been a little puffy because I was on medicine, but my friends are really supportive."

"People often tell me that I just need to take medicine and I'll be better, or I just need to go on a diet. I've tried numerous medicines and diets, but they don't always help me. I know people are trying to help, but there's no cure for arthritis. I want to raise money to find a cure, and get the word out to as many people as possible. If we make people aware, they'll donate, and then we'll find a cure."